Mankato Symphony Orchestra Presents: Ode to Joy — A Landmark Holiday Celebration of Music and Community
The holidays are here—and so is one of the most anticipated musical events of the season! The Mankato Symphony Orchestra (MSO) invites the community to a powerful and uplifting evening of music on Saturday, December 20, at St. Peter High School, beginning at 7:00 PM.
This year’s program opens with a deeply moving tribute: Edward Elgar’s Nimrod from the Enigma Variations. Revered for its noble, expansive beauty, Nimrod is one of the most cherished works in the orchestral repertoire. The MSO dedicates this performance to the memory of its former Music Director, Kenneth Freed, who passed away last spring. Known for his artistry, leadership, and profound impact on the orchestra and region, Freed is remembered with gratitude and admiration. Nimrod—a musical portrait of friendship, reflection, and heartfelt emotion—serves as a fitting homage.
The evening continues with one of the greatest masterworks of all time: Beethoven’s Symphony No. 9, featuring the iconic Ode to Joy. For this performance, the MSO will be joined by a 100- voice Ode to Joy Chorus, made up of dedicated community singers from across the Greater Mankato region. Their collective sound, paired with the full orchestra and an outstanding cast of soloists—Jenny Haugen-Hesse, Melissa Williams, Seokho Park, and Philip Zawisza—promises a stirring musical experience celebrating unity, resilience, and joy.
COME EARLY FOR SPECIAL PRE-CONCERT EVENTS
At 5:30 PM, guests are invited to an engaging presentation about the MSO’s October 2026 Europe Tour, with scheduled stops in Prague, Vienna, and Budapest. Attendees will enjoy an insider preview of the orchestra’s international journey and artistic plans.
Then at 6:20 PM, Valerie Kahler, host of American Public Media’s nationally syndicated Performance Today, will sit down with MSO Music Director Ernesto for a special live interview. Together, they will explore the evening’s repertoire, the creative process, and the orchestra’s vision for its future.
From remembrance to celebration, from intimate reflection to triumphant joy, this concert offers
a remarkable musical arc and a rich evening for audiences of all ages.
Join us as we celebrate the season with music, community, and an unforgettable Ode to Joy. Visit www.mankatosymphony.org for tickets, travel details, and donation opportunities. Let the celebration begin!
About the Mankato Symphony Orchestra:
Founded in 1950, the MSO presents orchestral and chamber music of the highest caliber to Southern Minnesota. Under the leadership of Music Director Ernesto Estigarribia Mussi and Executive Director Bethel Balge, the orchestra continues to inspire audiences of all ages through
performances, education, and community outreach. Questions? Contact: Bethel Balge — bbalge@mankatosymphony.org – 507-766-7561
